Living & Loving on Lake Eufaula

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Life On The Lake

I never imagined there’d be so many interruptions when I first set out to “blog.” Back in 2011 my plan was to scope out tasty things to cook (and eat!) and share them regularly — with scenic photos and miscellaneous thoughts to distract you in between lapses. So far I seem to be doing pretty well on the lapses. But, I’m still inspired!

Adapting has become a way of life. Living. Cooking. Eating. Every day is different, and today has been nothing short of glorious.

I feel blessed to state that.

It was “too cold” (for those of you who live in my former home State, 50º — I’ve officially become an Okie, lol) to open windows and finish painting the kitchen, so I concentrated on stove-top pursuits instead. Beef Stew. Polenta made with homemade chicken stock and a whole lotta love. 50 minutes of stirring beats 50º in my book any day.

I also practiced piano, cleaned the bathroom, started a letter to my pen pal (that’s the beauty of letter-writing; an immediate response isn’t required and interruptions are par for the course), and took photos of my progress. (Distraction is my middle name, lol.)

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There are two kinds of fishermen on the lake. (Three, counting vicarious photographers.) Not only do we rely on serendipity, we thrive on hope. Here’s to the souls anticipating the “catch of the day” by whatever means.

A few years back, I’d climb down the thirty-foot drop to shore over uneven rocks and toss in my “hook, line, and sinker”. These days I have to be cautious about my balance — particularly my inner balance. While I may not be able to do what I “used to”, it doesn’t deter me from having fun.

Life is a series of compromises.

Figuring out the best one for you — sometimes daily — requires a knack similar to fishing, a small dose of humility, a huge dose of gratitude, and a heapin’ helpin’ of self-awareness and self-acceptance. For now, “watching” suits me just fine.

Ever had to give up an integral part of yourself (temporarily or permanently) to deal with “life”? How did you cope? Did you have fun? Do tell.

Per Eating Well these can be made ahead. Wrap (individually) in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to three days or freeze up to one month. To reheat: remove the plastic, wrap in a paper towel, and microwave on high 30-60 seconds.

I haven’t tried the frozen option yet. (I ate them in three days!) They “nuked” just fine. I’m looking forward to serving a big batch to our loved ones and friends — forgot to mention this adaptation was a “half batch” — TMOFW doesn’t eat “greens”, lol! (Double the recipe at will.) Most likely I’ll reheat larger batches in the oven on low heat covered with tinfoil. Ingredients aren’t the only things I adapt!

Some folks love Sushi and others can’t stand the thought of it. How do you feel?

I was skeptical at first.

In The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes where I grew up (Minnesota), the “catch of the day” was generally fried in butter with a mound of sliced potatoes (sizzling in butter) served with toast on the side (slathered in butter.) Goodness, I miss lake breakfasts! (And butter.)

Maybe it’s the buttery texture of Sushi that I love? I haven’t tried making it at home yet — and I don’t recommend that you do — unless you have top-grade fresh fish, razor sharp knives, and your kitchen is as antiseptic as a surgical suite. Sushi is not only an art, it’s a matter of strictest hygiene. I admire well-trained chefs who inspire confidence in both.

My first taste of that delicacy was at a sales convention in Baltimore many moons ago. I wanted to appear hip with my “foodie notions” — plus, I really wanted to try it! It was love at first bite.

Ironically, my son & I never did get to take a Sushi break on my last trip home. We had bigger fish to fry — so to speak. :) More on that in a subsequent post.

In the meantime, I enjoy making and eating “wanna be” Sushi-style seafood. The fresher, the better. Gotta love the fishermen in my life. :)

Sociable Options

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In My Kitchen… April showers bring May flowers, or so they say. Pictured above is one of “my” irises. Can’t take credit for nurturing ’em; they magically appear every year. I’m thankful for spontaneous beauty! Below is a photo of last weekend’s rainfall. (Pay no attention to the weeds in my flower beds, lol.)

This is NOTHING compared to last month’s devastating tropical storms “Down Under”. Hope y’all are doing okay, xo! In the meantime it’s been wet here, too — and my lavender is lovin’ it.

So do my “Okie orchids” below, or whatever they’re called. (Horticulture is not my forté.) I love seeing their sassy lil’ blossoms in our back yard (with apologies for re-posting a somewhat gratuitous website/logo photo from a few years back, but I wanted to show you a “close up”) — unfortunately, we’ve been under a wind advisory lately and it’s difficult taking flower photos when they’re waving about wildly. 70 mph gusts… that’d be 112 km/hour for you waaaay Southern folks, whoosh… welcome to Oklahoma.

In My Kitchen… is a photographic potpourri reflecting “life”. A hodgepodge reflecting every given moment — or my latest thrift store find. (Inspiration is where you find it!) Claim it and move on. Make your life your own!

This cobalt rimmed pitcher is a prime example. (It holds at least a gallon of H2O!) Here’s to staying hydrated this summer… and hello, Liz, former hostess of IMK. ;) BTW, for more fun and culinary adventures, please visit Sherry from Sherry’s Pickingsfor this month’s kitchen inspirations, posted by cooks from around the world. (Thank you ALL!) Sherry graciously took over the helm of In My Kitchen and the fun continues. Take a peek!

In My Kitchen… (or the corner of our dining room) is a 1940’s side table that houses my camera case, purse, and hopefully a “lake-themed” fish sculpture or art piece soon. (Or maybe I need to create my own?) I acquired it after a recent much needed “girls’ day out” and had FUN in the process. The craftsmanship is phenomenal and the camaraderie far exceeded that.

In My Kitchen… are my latest issues of Milk Street Magazine ala Christopher Kimball, formerly of America’s Test Kitchen, and Cook’s Illustrated. My late Sis used to subscribe to the latter and I learned tons from it (and from her); the former is a new publication that delights my palate and culinary curiosity. Even if I can’t EAT it, I can read about it!

This past year has been one of refining/honing down my dietary limitations. Let’s add soy, tree nuts, eggs, and corn to my allergen list, shall we?! Besides wheat and dairy — basically, everything I ever loved to cook with and EAT, aarrgghh — every “allergen” on the back of labels seems to have an adverse affect on me. Not sure what’s up with that (or why), but I still eat WELL thanks to “scratch” cooking and a plethora of IMK inspiration worldwide. For that, I’m eternally grateful!

Sorry this is a tad lengthy. Such are the vagaries of posting infrequently. Once a month? I had a larger (and/or more frequent/regular) vision for this space when I started. Will try to do better in May. YAY for new months beginning on a Monday — do you revel when that happens, too? — and for IMK inspirations from near and afar. Thanks, Sherry!

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This past week I went on my first walkabout in over two years (unmitigated life-events notwithstanding) with a sincere desire to reconnect with “my” landscape.

Dawn was ushered in by a pastel sunrise and I couldn’t resist exploring.

Viewing the lake from afar is lovely, but up close and personal restores my soul.

Ma and Pa Goose escorted me the first fifty yards, honking furiously and strutting indignantly. (Must be a nest nearby.) After spontaneous flight the shore was mine.

This time of year the lake is the least colorful and most hopeful — a wait’n’see kind of attitude that initially appears unimpressive cloaked in muted tan, brown, and gray — but, there’s SO much more to see once you get past your first impression.

Shapes. Shadows. Surfaces.

Treasures lurk beneath!

So far I haven’t stumbled upon anything of value yet (nor the hundreds of lures TMOFW and I have “donated” to the lake over the years), but this was priceless.

Beauty and serenity — not to mention self-worth — are in the eye of the beholder. I hope you recognize yours, xo.

Transient residents are welcome, too, to tell the story of the ever-shifting shoreline tempered by wind, water, and time — a continuous Do Over.

We ought to learn something from that. (Every day’s an adventure!)

Nothing stays the same, but we can bear with it gracefully… even scenically.

This driftwood castaway reminded me of a sea serpent. (Maybe Lake Eufaula has a Nessie?) Wouldn’t that be something.

Raccoon tracks (among others), shed feathers, and a barnacle-laden rock or two are but a few of the many reminders that this is a shared space… a sacred place.

We respect each other’s right to partake of the the lake. Yay for my turn!

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Greetings! I'm Kim Bultman, and welcome to a little lunch. Today's menu may include writing, food & photography... or all three. Like Oklahoma's weather, things are subject to change. For more info on 'moi' please see my About page. In the meantime, make yourself at home. I'm glad you're here!